In brief
Istanbul faced its heaviest rainfall in 84 years, sending torrents through streets and causing widespread flooding. Two people died— a 14‑year‑old boy electrocuted in a puddle and a 34‑year‑old man who fell on wet pavement. Nearly 600 residents were rescued while thousands of workers responded to the crisis, and the metro was extended to 2 a.m. to aid evacuation. Flights were canceled and rivers burst banks, prompting authorities to grant leave to vulnerable workers and close schools for two days.
Heavy downpours poured across Istanbul, marking the heaviest rainfall in 84 years. Two people lost their lives—a 14‑year‑old boy who was electrocuted and a 34‑year‑old man who fell after slipping on wet pavement.
City officials reported that almost 600 residents were rescued after becoming stranded, with cars and public transport submerged in several districts. The governor urged citizens to stay home unless absolutely necessary, while the metro was extended to 2 a.m. to aid evacuation.
The disaster has also disrupted travel: 46 flights were canceled at Istanbul airports, and a river burst its banks, causing road collapse in Sariyer and other areas.
In response, over 8,000 workers were deployed, and authorities granted administrative leave to vulnerable workers and mothers of young children, while schools were shut for two days.
The interior ministry warned of potential flooding in other provinces as the rains are expected to continue. Investigations into the boy’s death are underway.
